52 Companies Slapped with Asbestos Lawsuit

By Daniel Hawn

Published on September 21, 2007

South Shore, Kentucky, residents William and Joann Potter filed the lawsuit in Kanawha Circuit Court on Aug. 20.

According to the suit, William Potter, 64, was diagnosed earlier this year with a condition known as mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer normally caused by asbestos exposure. Potter, who has been a smoker since 1959, claims he was exposed to a significant amount of asbestos while working as a laborer between 1964 and 1968 and as a crane operator between 1968 and 1995 in the Ashland, Kentucky, area. Part of his work involved removing and installing insulation, the suit states.

Joann Potter claims her husband's condition has caused her a number of hardships, including the loss of his financial support, services, and companionship. Potter and his wife are suing for compensatory and punitive damages in the nine-count lawsuit.

The Potters are represented by Charleston-based lawyer Samuel Elswick.

A visiting judge will preside over the case.

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